A group of Swindon dancers have become world champions at the most prestigious global Irish dance competition.

Farrell School of Irish Dance, led by Clare Crocker, achieved victories at the 2024 World Irish Dancing Association (WIDA) World Championships recently held in Liège, Belgium.

Competing against top dancers from across the globe, the team of 18, who meet at Grange Drive Community Centre in Stratton St Margaret, came home with two world champions and one dancer was a runner-up.

Courtney Ringham, 23, emerged as the under-23 WIDA World Champion while Kerry Maskell, 39, clinched the Senior Ladies WIDA World Champion title and Jaycee-Mae Jones came second in the under-9 WIDA World Championship.

Ms Ringham, who lives in Pinehurst, said: "I can’t believe it, I have no words.

"It honestly means the world to me to have this title, and I’d like to thank Clare, my teacher, for always believing in me and pushing me to never give up on my dreams.

"I’d also like to thank my mum, who without fail comes to every single competition and always ensures I do my absolute best."

Ms Maskell, from Nine Elms, added: "It was a heart-stopping moment realising I’d made the podium.

"To then go on and actually win takes it to a whole new level. I love Irish dancing, and for any dancer to win the worlds is a huge achievement.

"Thank you to my mum, dad, husband, and two boys for cheering me on."

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Jaycee-Mae, from Oakhurst, said: "To come second in the world in such a tough competition is a great achievement.

"I’m excited to work hard and hopefully win next year."

The competition featured dancers from countries including Australia, USA, China, Switzerland, Ukraine, Spain, Scotland, Germany, Japan, the UK, and Ireland.

Each had qualified through the British Open Championships which took place in October 2023.

Dancers attended classes up to three times a week, in addition to private lessons, in preparation for the event.

Ms Crocker said: "Irish dancing isn’t easy by any stretch and as these girls have shown it takes years and years of training to even enable them to walk onto that worlds stage."

The journey to the world championships was supported by the efforts of Ms Crocker and the Friends of Farrell School Committee.

Fundraising initiatives included displays across Swindon during St. Patrick’s Day weekend and their annual Irish Night.